Impact of MIND diet on cognitive function among patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomised control clinical trial

Abstract

Background Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is a new dietary approach designed to help maintain cognitive function. Patients with MetS are at increased risk of cognitive decline due to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction.Therefore, this population provides an appropriate model to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of the MIND diet, which emphasizes foods with antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. Aims This study aims to investigate the impact of this diet on the cognitive function of patients with MetS. Methods This research was a RCTs conducted with adults diagnosed with MetS who were referred to the Hazrat Ali Health Center in Isfahan. A total of 56 eligible participants were divided into two groups: one group received the MIND diet along with a placebo, while the other served as a control group. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS26. Results In this study, we compared the two groups. The MIND diet group showed a significant increase in total cognitive function after adjusting for Model 1 Using Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with distribution of Gamma & link of Log controlling for baseline, gender, education, surgery, drug, supplementation, physical activity, age, and hospitalization and 2 Using Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with distribution of Gamma & link of Log controlling for baseline, gender, education, surgery, drug, supplementation, physical activity, age, hospitalization, and food intake, with increases of 1.6 times (60%) and 1.52 times (52%), respectively. In terms of visuoconstruction and executive functioning, there was a significant increase after adjusting for model 1 (1.42 times or42%). Attention also significantly improved after adjusting models 1 and 2 by 2.05 times and 2.0 times, respectively. Discussion The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of certain foods included in the MIND diet are believed to protect brain function and reduce cognitive decline like: Green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, and fish. Conclusion This study suggests that MIND diet can significantly enhance total cognitive function, attention, executive functioning, and visuoconstruction abilities.